I saw the making of a aluminum cylinder when I took the VIP course and found it quite interesting. Of course I'm that type of a person. So I was snooping around You Tube and ran across the videos that I was shown. So if you're like me you just may enjoy seeing how your life support equipment is created. They're only about 5 minutes each.
Enjoy
Catalina Aluminum Cylinders
Worthington Steel Cylinders
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Cozumel Mexico Baby!!
On Monday we had a seminar with Aqua Lung, where they showed us some of the latest products coming out and new features added to existing ones. What does that have to do with Mexico you ask?
Cozumel baby!!!!!!
It was announced that Sport Chalet has booked the entire Scuba Club Cozumel resort for the week of July 11-18, 2009.
I'm in!! Janine's in!! Are you in?
The real fun, besides the diving and fun with friends and family is that Aqua Lung and other manufactures will be there with new gear for any of us to demo.
Not sure you want the Aqua Lung Slingshot fins yet? Take them on a real test dive.
Want to compare the Suunto Cobra 2 to the Sherwood Wisdom 2? Hook them both up and take them on a dive and compare.
Which camera should I buy? Take one for a dive and load the pics on a PC and see.
All of this for how much? Right now it's about $997.00 per person plus airfare. More details and exact price to soon follow.
Cozumel here we come!!!!
Cozumel baby!!!!!!
It was announced that Sport Chalet has booked the entire Scuba Club Cozumel resort for the week of July 11-18, 2009.
I'm in!! Janine's in!! Are you in?
The real fun, besides the diving and fun with friends and family is that Aqua Lung and other manufactures will be there with new gear for any of us to demo.
Not sure you want the Aqua Lung Slingshot fins yet? Take them on a real test dive.
Want to compare the Suunto Cobra 2 to the Sherwood Wisdom 2? Hook them both up and take them on a dive and compare.
Which camera should I buy? Take one for a dive and load the pics on a PC and see.
All of this for how much? Right now it's about $997.00 per person plus airfare. More details and exact price to soon follow.
Cozumel here we come!!!!
Return To Blue Lake
They say some things never change. On October 25 we ventured back to Blue lake for a specialty class after a long hiatus. I don't think I had been there since my Instructor Exam (IE) back in 1995.
Congratulations to Ron, Scott and Tyler for completing the Dry Suit course.
The road hasn't changed. It's still five miles of washboards, but travelers have taken it upon themselves to venture of the trail. A new 'road' runs adjacent to the old for most of the way. Once at the 'parking lot, it all comes back in a flash. There it is, the boardwalk. Although a bit improved. Janine and I were making fun that in the 'old days' we used to carry our gear through the mud and at times would sink to our hips. Some of us it would be the knees. The entry area has changed that's for sure. Dock and ladders are in place. What really struck me was the 'bay' that most enter through. Over the course of many years of people sliding off the bank they have created a 'bay'. Really seeing the impact of this was when we got into the water. Where were the fish? Yes we saw the typical blue gill and bass, but they lacked size and numbers. Where was the vegetation and where was the bottom? A trip back to memory lane. Fish used to hang around the platforms in numbers and the sides and bottom were once a blanket of vegetation. The depth used to be at 60 feet. Now it's a mere 51. You can really see the impact of all of this. The impact was everywhere. Guidelines had broken and were left hanging right next to the new lines that had been installed. Broken PVC pipe from an old navigation course was left. Just general 'garbage' around.
In December we are planning a return trip for more classes. As part of that I'm taking my tools and goody bag and doing my part by cleaning up what I can. It is now one of my dive sites.
I recently read a post on a website or forum about a group from Clearfield(?) that organized a major cleanup. I applaud your efforts whom ever you are. Remember it's 'our' dive site. Let's keep it clean.
Congratulations to Ron, Scott and Tyler for completing the Dry Suit course.
The road hasn't changed. It's still five miles of washboards, but travelers have taken it upon themselves to venture of the trail. A new 'road' runs adjacent to the old for most of the way. Once at the 'parking lot, it all comes back in a flash. There it is, the boardwalk. Although a bit improved. Janine and I were making fun that in the 'old days' we used to carry our gear through the mud and at times would sink to our hips. Some of us it would be the knees. The entry area has changed that's for sure. Dock and ladders are in place. What really struck me was the 'bay' that most enter through. Over the course of many years of people sliding off the bank they have created a 'bay'. Really seeing the impact of this was when we got into the water. Where were the fish? Yes we saw the typical blue gill and bass, but they lacked size and numbers. Where was the vegetation and where was the bottom? A trip back to memory lane. Fish used to hang around the platforms in numbers and the sides and bottom were once a blanket of vegetation. The depth used to be at 60 feet. Now it's a mere 51. You can really see the impact of all of this. The impact was everywhere. Guidelines had broken and were left hanging right next to the new lines that had been installed. Broken PVC pipe from an old navigation course was left. Just general 'garbage' around.
In December we are planning a return trip for more classes. As part of that I'm taking my tools and goody bag and doing my part by cleaning up what I can. It is now one of my dive sites.
I recently read a post on a website or forum about a group from Clearfield(?) that organized a major cleanup. I applaud your efforts whom ever you are. Remember it's 'our' dive site. Let's keep it clean.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Old Fashioned Photography
Every wondered what we did for fun underwater before SCUBA. Found this on another blog site and thought it was great.
Check out these other photos
Thursday, July 17, 2008
PADI Recalls EANx32 Table
PADI Americas recently discovered an error in some printings of the English language, Imperial EANx32 RDP.
If you have an EANx RDP (product number 60049) with the production code of XXXPDK7 and/or a blank box where described, please return it to your PADI Dive Center/Resort or return it to PADI Amercia at the address below, as soon as possible. DO NOT PLAN YOUR DIVES USING THIS TABLE. Your RDP will be replaced with a new table at no charge to you. You may send your table to:
PADI Americas
Attn: RDP Recall
30151 Tomas
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
When sending your table back to PADI Americas, please be sure to include the address where you want the new table shipped.
The official notice can be be read by clinking on the title of this topic.
If you have an EANx RDP (product number 60049) with the production code of XXXPDK7 and/or a blank box where described, please return it to your PADI Dive Center/Resort or return it to PADI Amercia at the address below, as soon as possible. DO NOT PLAN YOUR DIVES USING THIS TABLE. Your RDP will be replaced with a new table at no charge to you. You may send your table to:
PADI Americas
Attn: RDP Recall
30151 Tomas
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
When sending your table back to PADI Americas, please be sure to include the address where you want the new table shipped.
The official notice can be be read by clinking on the title of this topic.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Bear Lake What A Site
What a site. We decided that for the Dry Suit Specialty we would venture to Cisco Beach at Bear Lake. Congratulations to Brenden, Dick, Jessica and Josh for hanging in there and braving the cold. So how was the dive? Clear and cool. The visibility was close to 25 feet with a surface temperature of 63 degrees. We found a few thermoclines. One at about 20 feet (59 degrees) and then another one that got your attention at 40 feet (54 degrees) and at 45 feet it was a balmy 51 degrees.
Added bonus. When we got there three divers from Bear Lake Dive Team were getting ready to sink a boat. Cool something new to see. Seems they tried the previous day but failed due to excessive buoyancy. So on Saturday they came back prepared. Tore out the gun rails and remove all the foam and plywood that was still attached. After putting some well placed holes in the bottom they were ready to push it out. After helping give a gentle nudge it was on its way. At 11:00 the Cisco was submerged in about 30 feet of water. Actually the stern is resting at 34 feet and the bow at 39 feet.
Coordinates 111 16’ 42” W 41 57’ 11” N
Added bonus. When we got there three divers from Bear Lake Dive Team were getting ready to sink a boat. Cool something new to see. Seems they tried the previous day but failed due to excessive buoyancy. So on Saturday they came back prepared. Tore out the gun rails and remove all the foam and plywood that was still attached. After putting some well placed holes in the bottom they were ready to push it out. After helping give a gentle nudge it was on its way. At 11:00 the Cisco was submerged in about 30 feet of water. Actually the stern is resting at 34 feet and the bow at 39 feet.
Coordinates 111 16’ 42” W 41 57’ 11” N
Thursday, June 5, 2008
2008 Utah Spearfishing Competition Schedule
For those who enjoy spearfishing I just got word on a circuit in Utah. For spearfishing rules and regulations you can read about them on the utahscubadiver.com website.
2008 Utah Spearfishing Schedule
-May 17th - Deer Creek Reservoir
-June 14th - Starvation Reservoir
-July 19th - Jordanelle Reservoir
-August 23rd - Pineview Reservoir
-September 20th - Fish Lake
-October 11th - Yuba Reservoir
-November 1st - Flaming Gorge Reservoir
SPEARFISHING STANDARDS & RULES
-School Shoots – to promote new members without intimidation
-Pro/Am – Support of school shoot philosophy
-Finale – Make up your own team structure
-Points – One point per fish & one point per pound
-Duration – 9:00 am until 2:00 pm
-Game fish – None will be counted in the events
-Carp – Unlimited
-Utah Sucker – Unlimited
-Protected species – Absolutely None
-Record weight & Record documentation – Free Help & Info
-Pot Luck BBQ – All shoots where practical
-Trophies – Are being provided by Bruce Boyd – Please thank him
-Finale – Lots of Great prizes and trophies
-Finale – Total points from best four (4) shoots (100% rule applies on event stats)
-Weight measurement - Certified scales will be at all shoots
All suggestions will be reviewed and considered
For further information contact atlantisdivers@sbtnet.com
2008 Utah Spearfishing Schedule
-May 17th - Deer Creek Reservoir
-June 14th - Starvation Reservoir
-July 19th - Jordanelle Reservoir
-August 23rd - Pineview Reservoir
-September 20th - Fish Lake
-October 11th - Yuba Reservoir
-November 1st - Flaming Gorge Reservoir
SPEARFISHING STANDARDS & RULES
-School Shoots – to promote new members without intimidation
-Pro/Am – Support of school shoot philosophy
-Finale – Make up your own team structure
-Points – One point per fish & one point per pound
-Duration – 9:00 am until 2:00 pm
-Game fish – None will be counted in the events
-Carp – Unlimited
-Utah Sucker – Unlimited
-Protected species – Absolutely None
-Record weight & Record documentation – Free Help & Info
-Pot Luck BBQ – All shoots where practical
-Trophies – Are being provided by Bruce Boyd – Please thank him
-Finale – Lots of Great prizes and trophies
-Finale – Total points from best four (4) shoots (100% rule applies on event stats)
-Weight measurement - Certified scales will be at all shoots
All suggestions will be reviewed and considered
For further information contact atlantisdivers@sbtnet.com
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Air Powered Cars? Diving Related?
Air powered cars? Spooky
I read this a while back on Popular Mechanics while researching alternative energy methods for my ‘real job’ and thought the idea was ‘out there’.
Now another blog I visit posted this article from Forbes Magazine
The engine runs on air compressed to just over 4000 psi. Each car has an on-board compressor; however, a fill-up takes four hours. The Forbes article laments, "The car's limited range would require plenty of fill-ups at compressed-air service stations, except those don't exist."
OK so how is this related to diving? Instead of having a spare gas can in the trunk you would now have a spare aluminum 80 scuba tank in the trunk as a ‘spare air’ (pun intended)
I read this a while back on Popular Mechanics while researching alternative energy methods for my ‘real job’ and thought the idea was ‘out there’.
Now another blog I visit posted this article from Forbes Magazine
The engine runs on air compressed to just over 4000 psi. Each car has an on-board compressor; however, a fill-up takes four hours. The Forbes article laments, "The car's limited range would require plenty of fill-ups at compressed-air service stations, except those don't exist."
OK so how is this related to diving? Instead of having a spare gas can in the trunk you would now have a spare aluminum 80 scuba tank in the trunk as a ‘spare air’ (pun intended)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
New Utah Dive Site
Picked this up this morning from the Daily Herald.
For those outside of 'happy valley' A.F. is Americian Fork
Thursday, 10 April 2008 A.F. may use reservoir for scuba, kayaking
Barbara Christiansen - NORTH COUNTY STAFF
Lessons in kayaking, canoeing and scuba could be a part of the new secondary irrigation reservoir to be built near the Fox Hollow Golf Course, if state and federal officials give the proposal their approval.
The proposal is an attempt to meet requirements to have the American Fork property continue to have recreation uses. The land was included in property granted to the city to be used for recreational purposes. If that use does not continue, the property would revert to state ownership. Another option would be to mitigate the property with other land that would have new recreational uses, but city officials considered that more expensive and time-consuming.
The city had proposed putting trails and picnic benches around the reservoir, but when they met with Seth McArthur, who coordinates state and federal grants, they got the message that there needed to be more.
Howard Denney, director of public works, said McArthur first indicated that his experience told him the trails and picnic area would not be enough for the federal government to call it recreational property.
"We did it level by level, adding onto it," Denney said. "When we got to the scuba park, there was a brightening of his demeanor. He told us that if we could provide a recreational activity not available in the area, it would go a long ways toward solving the problem."
City engineer Andy Spencer said the canoeing and kayaking lessons would be under the city's recreation department. The city would probably turn over the scuba lessons to an outside entity.
All programs would be available only from April to October when there is water in the reservoir. As the city grows closer to being fully built out, there may be times of the day when the water level is too low to conduct the lessons, even during the summer months, Spencer said.
In a meeting last week, the council members mulled the options.
"It seems like a minimal cost to provide this," said Councilman Dale Gunther. "In my opinion, we have got to find recreation use for this, and [scuba] makes sense to me."
Recreation director Derric Rykert was enthusiastic.
"I'm actually excited about it," he said. "I think it is some opportunities we don't have."
Denney said the city's current proposal would first be reviewed by the state Parks and Recreation Department, then sent on to representatives of the federal government.
"I am just guessing, but it could perhaps take a month or so," Denney said.
Until the city gets federal approval, construction of the reservoir is on hold.
For me this is a great idea putting a diveable body of water on a golf course. This will help feed my other passion..golf..less money spent on balls and what a better way to spend a surface interval.
I know there is another site under consideration in Utah County that is geothermal that will be 'similar' to Seabase, Belmont Springs and the 'Crater'. ie: commercial operation.
For those outside of 'happy valley' A.F. is Americian Fork
Thursday, 10 April 2008 A.F. may use reservoir for scuba, kayaking
Barbara Christiansen - NORTH COUNTY STAFF
Lessons in kayaking, canoeing and scuba could be a part of the new secondary irrigation reservoir to be built near the Fox Hollow Golf Course, if state and federal officials give the proposal their approval.
The proposal is an attempt to meet requirements to have the American Fork property continue to have recreation uses. The land was included in property granted to the city to be used for recreational purposes. If that use does not continue, the property would revert to state ownership. Another option would be to mitigate the property with other land that would have new recreational uses, but city officials considered that more expensive and time-consuming.
The city had proposed putting trails and picnic benches around the reservoir, but when they met with Seth McArthur, who coordinates state and federal grants, they got the message that there needed to be more.
Howard Denney, director of public works, said McArthur first indicated that his experience told him the trails and picnic area would not be enough for the federal government to call it recreational property.
"We did it level by level, adding onto it," Denney said. "When we got to the scuba park, there was a brightening of his demeanor. He told us that if we could provide a recreational activity not available in the area, it would go a long ways toward solving the problem."
City engineer Andy Spencer said the canoeing and kayaking lessons would be under the city's recreation department. The city would probably turn over the scuba lessons to an outside entity.
All programs would be available only from April to October when there is water in the reservoir. As the city grows closer to being fully built out, there may be times of the day when the water level is too low to conduct the lessons, even during the summer months, Spencer said.
In a meeting last week, the council members mulled the options.
"It seems like a minimal cost to provide this," said Councilman Dale Gunther. "In my opinion, we have got to find recreation use for this, and [scuba] makes sense to me."
Recreation director Derric Rykert was enthusiastic.
"I'm actually excited about it," he said. "I think it is some opportunities we don't have."
Denney said the city's current proposal would first be reviewed by the state Parks and Recreation Department, then sent on to representatives of the federal government.
"I am just guessing, but it could perhaps take a month or so," Denney said.
Until the city gets federal approval, construction of the reservoir is on hold.
For me this is a great idea putting a diveable body of water on a golf course. This will help feed my other passion..golf..less money spent on balls and what a better way to spend a surface interval.
I know there is another site under consideration in Utah County that is geothermal that will be 'similar' to Seabase, Belmont Springs and the 'Crater'. ie: commercial operation.
Monday, March 31, 2008
How Long Can You Stay Down On A Tank
The other day while I was lurking around the store somebody asked me “How long can you stay down on a tank” and my standard reply to this is always “It depends”. It depends on you as an individual and your comfort level in the water and how much work you are doing or simply stated your consumption rate.
Knowing ones Surface Air Consumption (SAC) rate is not required but can be handy at times and are calculated in two ways; a ‘working’ rate and a ‘rested’ rate. SAC rates are big with the “tech” crowd . For them it’s important to know how much air they will likely use at depth. SAC rates are also gaining popularity with the recreational crowd. Most dive computers that are air integrated will give you a SAC rate if you have the software and the cable to download it. Well what about those who don’t have an integrated computer? You can do the math if you would like.
The calculation is performed by calculating the volume of gas used (PSI used * ( Tank volume rating / Tank pressure rating )), dividing this by the time at depth, then dividing this result by the pressure at the average depth ((D/33)+1). This result is the ‘rested’ Surface Air Consumption (SAC)
Well while I had some time this past weekend I decided to create a SAC Calculator (SACCalc.xls) along with a Depth/Time Calculator which will help answer the question without using a pad of paper.
Here is what you need the next time your at the ‘Crater’ or anywhere. Know your cylinder type. Most rentals are aluminum 80's. Go to the platform or a fixed depth and then note your tank pressure go ahead and breathe for a while, 20 minutes or so, and note your ending tank pressure. Then download the calculator and plug in the information. Then at the bottom of the calculator plug in your tank type, planned depth and according to your SAC rate it will give you an estimated time at that depth.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
ARUP Scuba Club
I just happened to check my email and saw an email with the subject ARUP Scuba Club. Now I know a couple of great people who work at ARUP so I knew it wasn't spam. Bill Sullivan and Josh McPherron have headed this up and it seems to be building. From the email and site it appears they are not limiting to just ARUP employees and family, but have extended it to friends. So if you were in the Open Water class with Melissa (Bills wife) and Amanda (Josh's wife) or at the lake while they were all doing their Advanced Open Water or Rescue Diver..I think you're friends.
I posted this as many of you have been asking about clubs and while Sport Chalet no longer 'sponsors' clubs internally they do support them. Contact Bill or Josh about joining.
Independent clubs outside of stores are a great idea and I personally am glad to see one start again. Utah State University has recently started their club back up from what I have read.
I posted this as many of you have been asking about clubs and while Sport Chalet no longer 'sponsors' clubs internally they do support them. Contact Bill or Josh about joining.
Independent clubs outside of stores are a great idea and I personally am glad to see one start again. Utah State University has recently started their club back up from what I have read.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Take The Master Scuba Diver Challenge
Master Scuba Diver is PADI’s highest non professional recreational diving certification. This is what the best of the best reach for, because the dive possibilities are endless.To become a Master Scuba Diver, you must log 50 dives and complete the following PADI courses:
PADI Open Water Diver
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
PADI Rescue Diver
Five PADI Specialty Diver Courses
Prestige isn’t easy to earn, but it is certainly well worth it. As a Master Scuba Diver, you’ll have a whole new level of training and experience, whether you’re diving local wrecks, quarries and reefs, or exploring exciting dive environments around the world.
Oh but wait that's not all. Students who complete their Master Scuba Diver rating in 2008 are eligible to receive the promotional bag shown from PADI.
You will need to send in your name, address, MSD number and $5 for shipping and handling to: PADI Marketing, 30151 Tomas, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.
Ready, set, go...the challenge is on. It’s your turn to Want It, Live It and Dive It.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Welcome
Welcome to the blog.
What I'll try to do is keep you up on what is happening inside Sport Chalet (SC) in regards to Scuba, classes, trips, equipment developments and news around the diving industry in general.
I had never blogged before so this should be fun.
What I'll try to do is keep you up on what is happening inside Sport Chalet (SC) in regards to Scuba, classes, trips, equipment developments and news around the diving industry in general.
I had never blogged before so this should be fun.
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